Emily Vaughn is better off without you

by byte clay

By Lauren Kruczyk

Break-up songs usually find a home on one end of the pendulum — depressingly emotional, “make you want to stay in bed forever” depress-fests, or Alanis Morissette-inspired anger anthems written during a period of (often justifiable) rage, grievance, or pain.

Emily Vaughn strikes the perfect balance between the two with her hit single, “Better Off.” Not every breakup has to be tragic, In fact, a breakup might even manage to be (gasp) amicable!

Vaughn says,

“I gave myself a grieving period after my main relationship. Looking back at it, I realized the independence I’d achieved and how much I had grown outside of that relationship. So I was like, I’m going to write a song from a lighter perspective! You know, if you’ve heard ‘Hollow,’ it’s a little more depressing.”

[FYI — BANKS lovers, check out ‘Hollow.’ You’ll love it.]

“I wanted something with a happier vibe. I think everyone’s been in a relationship they’ve gotten out of and realized they are better without that person, and I just wanted to channel that positive vibe because it doesn’t always have to be a negative thing. There’s definitely going to be people you’re better off without, so that’s the idea that sparked the song.

“It does come from a place of…you can still love the person, and just know that there’s something better for you. I’m an advocate of independence, so that’s a big part of the inspiration for the song.”

Vaughn goes on to say,

“I love Banks, I love Lorde. I love the dark pop artists that can write happy hooks with a darker feel. I loved being able to channel those artists and write ‘Hollow.’ They are my influences. ‘Hollow’ is obviously a bit of a darker song. I wanted something to come out after that that wasn’t also sad or quite so dark.

“I don’t want to be an artist people only listen to when they’re sad. I do have some songs like that, but I also want people to be able to roll down their windows and drive with their friends and sing all the lyrics and feel somewhat liberated, even if it’s about a moderately sad subject.

“That’s kind of what I’ve been trying to achieve…being real with emotions and relatable to other people. But also staying true to my experiences and who I am as an artist and a person.”

Vaughn reiterates the theme of independence in her song to The Fader:

“The song is built around an idea that l think most people (myself included) have experienced—simply loving someone unconditionally, but knowing they’re not the right fit for you. I hope this song encourages every listener that is feeling trapped in a negative relationship, that they are not alone. Something better is coming.”

For more info about Emily Vaughn, check out her official Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. Emily Vaughn will be performing at The Echo in LA on Jan. 13, 2016. Stream more of Emily’s songs on Soundcloud and Spotify, or purchase her hit singles on iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play.

Many thanks to Emily Vaughn and Nathan Andrew Wing, both of whose considerable patience is both award-worthy and greatly appreciated!

Stay tuned for a more in depth interview with Emily Vaughn, coming soon!